Tee Time With The Storcks

He's Here

2011-08-07T11:19:00.010-04:00

He's here and perfect as ever!

See...

I just took a moment to re read through my pregnancy posts and just had to laugh to myself. In all of the posts, I kept saying "he took it easy on me", "he's been so easy on me", and "it was such an easy pregnancy". Well he must have been saving it up for his grand entrance into the world, because there was nothing easy about May 17, 2011.
No, seriously.
He. Did. Not. Want. To. Come. Out.

We left bright and early for the hospital. I was able to consume the last "but it's for the baby" McDonald's breakfast meal before we took on the day. I must say, I wasn't THAT nervous during the ride to the hospital. It was a eerie peaceful feeling.
Soon after we checked in, they got me hooked up to the piticion, the nurse left our room and it was just me, Greg and the TODAY show. I guess since I was still in no pain, what was about to happen hadn't hit me yet. We entered the hospital as Greg and Amy, but were going to leave as Mommy and Daddy.

After an hour or so, my nurse, that Em and I have affectionately named Velvetta, came back to check on me. Still no pain and already 3 cm dilated thanks to my foley ball. Velvetta mentioned that if I was in the least bit of pain I may want to go ahead and put in an "order" for my epidural as there may be a wait later on. I passed because I had heard so many horror stories of epidurals wearing off because they were given too soon and based on what the all of the books say yada, yada, yada.

Gosh.

You readers are quick.

Yes. Yes, you are right. This is a classic example of foreshadowing.

About an hour to and hour and a half later, my contractions had creeped up on me and I was having full blown contractions. At one point I remember opening my eyes after having one and the whole room (my mom and Em had joined us by this point) just staring at me. Like a deer in headlights. Even a mouth or two slightly open. Silent. After I made the first motion at communication they all resumed normal activity.

Andddd at this point I wanted the drugs. The contractions came on so fast, I just couldn't take it anymore. I thought that I would have plenty of time to determine when I was ready for the good stuff, but it all happened so fast. They literally came from no where.

Velvetta was right. The anesthesiologist was tied up in a C-section and I would have to wait. By this point, things were a little tense. I always knew labor was going to hurt. But until you are in the moment, there is no way to mentally prepare on how intense it would be. I was somehow able to breath thru them. When my nurse came back to check on me, she offered something to take the edge off and I happily obliged. That puppy worked wonders. I was able to unclench my hands and literally take a breather. Soon after that, the anesthesiologist was there to administer the epidural.

During my pregnancy I had been most afraid of this moment. I was so worried about the pain from that big ole fat needle. Because duh....after they give you the shot you don't feel anything silly. So I kept telling myself, that it will all be better after the epidural. Just get to the epidural, get to the epidural. The epidural was finally here and since I was feeling pretty good from what Velvetta had slipped into my IV, the epidural was not bad at all. After a horrible reaction to the epidural (BP went crazy and they had to counteract with some meds), I settled back down and I thought that I was now on the gravy train. I thought I would have time to do my make up, my hair, crack jokes with everyone and take last minute bets on what Parker would look like. Ha! After an hour nap, I woke up and visited with everyone for a little while when the nurse came back to check on me. I was moving right along with dilation when something started to feel a bit different.... I was starting to feel my contractions again. First just faintly but after an hour, I was having full blown contractions again. Damn. What?! I was supposed to have full make up on, hair perfect, ready to push and be on my merry way people. This was not in the game plan. I called for the nurse, explained what was going on and she ordered another epidural right away. This time after about 45 minutes, the head anesthesiologist walks in to do my second epidural. We wait for a break in my full blown contractions and then he goes for it. Nothing. He has to pull out and start all over. On to my third epidural needle.....

After finally feeling some relief from the pain, I was able to rest. Once again I thought that this was it - the rest of labor was going to be a piece of cake. I was just going to sit back, relax, and push when they tell me to push. By this point my body was aching and already sore and I was mentally drained. After my short respite, something started feeling a bit too familiar. Wait. What? No! Not again! Here come the contractions creeping back again. First they were not too bad in pain, but soon they were off the charts again.

Thanks to the picotin, by mid afternoon, I had already reached 10 cm. When Velvetta checked, Parker was not where he was supposed to be in the birth canal. He was still quite cozy where he was and he wasn't planning on moving any time soon. After speaking with our mid wife Karen Carroll and the nurse, we decided that even though my pain was very intense, to work through the contractions because they didn't want to give me more pain medication. If they were to give me more medication they were scared I wouldn't be able to push "where" I needed to push. They wanted me to pinpoint the contractions, focus on that point, and push to that point. I went with what they were saying; after all I did trust them fully. They wanted Parker to move down on his own. Karen said that I COULD start pushing to try to help move him along, but I would be pushing a long long time and I would just tire myself out. So we decided to wait.

And that we did.

We waited and waited and waited. Just ask Emily. She waited a long long time in the waiting room with two very anxious grandmothers. We owe her big time as the stories she tells us deserve their very own post.

As a side note: I was in so much pain at this point that Greg was trying to be sweet by playing my beloved Josh Groban on his iphone. He was hoping that this would help with my pain management. The sound quality from his speaker phone was terrible and I was in SO much pain that I snapped at him and yelled to him to turn it off. Gasp! I know! With that, Greg and I both knew that these contractions meant business.

Each time Velvetta would check me, she would say...he's just not there yet. But this whole time I was still contracting. Hard, sharp, mind altering pain.

I read somewhere about a woman wanted to go all natural with her delivery. At one point the pain was so intense that her only comfort was to visualize her shrunken self in the palm of her calming husband's hand. An out-of-body experience if you will. After reading that I thought the lady was a total nut job, but now, after going through that myself, I 100% understand what she was talking about. I knew I was physically there, but mentally I was numb. It's as if I was beside my physical body, coaching and cheering my mental self on from the side lines. That even sounds really strange to re read, but it is exactly what it was like. You truly take your mind to a different place.

After working through the pain the only way I could, Karen arrived at the hospital and examined the situation. All of my pain had finally paid off and Mr. Parker was where he needed to be. Karen looked at me and asked for me to give her a practice push. It was strong enough for what she was looking for. She ran out to deliver another baby (you read that right) and she was right back. She looked at me and said it was go time. I looked at Greg and thought "ok, it's finally here".
After 45 minutes of pushing, she said we were getting close.

About half way through though I thought about giving up. I just couldn't do it anymore. I thought I was not making any headway and my attempts were for nothing. Velvetta, whom at this point had stayed past her shift, got in my face. Karen had put me on my side in an attempt to make my pushing more effective. Velvetta came to my side of the bed, LITERALLY got 2 inches from my face, and with her onion breath and all,told my sweat trenched face, I could do this and that SHE hadn't stayed after her shift for nothing. With that, Greg pushed me back up and I got my head back in the game. I some how found the strengthen I needed for my final pushes and before I knew it I had an 8 lb 2 oz baby boy on my stomach.

That is my first sweet memory of my son - the warmth of his tiny body on mine.

I knew I had done it.

The emotions that you feel from the first sightings are indescribable.

He was perfect.

Greg cut the umbilical cord and followed him when the nurses took him to check his vitals. I will never forget looking up and see Velvetta smiling down at Parker. Parker must have given her a smile because she excitedly said "he has one dimple!" "I've been looking at your daddy's dimple ALL day!" Oh Velvetta.

After cleaning him up and finishing me up, they brought my clean, swaddled baby over to me. Greg and I just stared at him.

I don't remember us saying anything to each other. We just stared at him. Silent. Afterall, what words can capture your emotions at that moment? I was speechless. It's such a sweet moment that will forever be etched into my memory.

Shortly after, Greg went out to the waiting room to share the news.

When they entered the room, they pulled the curtain back and all of them paused, looked at me holding Parker and teared up.

And I gave them same reaction back.

3rd Trimester

2011-05-16T20:44:00.007-04:00

I leave for the hospital, bright and early tomorrow to deliver my son. Therefore, I thought that my procrastination about blogging my 3rd trimester had better come to an end.

I've said it before, I'll say it again.

The little guy took it easy on me this whole pregnancy.

Sure there were times I had the worst heartburn I've ever had in my life, tossed and turned the whole night, cried at episodes of "What would you do?" (ABC), peed 8 times in one night, bit Greg's head off cause he looked at me funny, swelling that put hippos to shame, and anxiety induced itchiness, but it was nothing that I couldn't get through. And I did. I've heard horror story after horror story and I would think to myself, I didn't have that.... or I didn't have to do that. For that I am truly grateful. Really.

Weeks 28 to Week 40ish

February 18th - May 13thish

Week 28

I had my Glucose test on Valentine's Day...Nothing says I love you more than a few viles of blood. I was worried about this test as I don't give blood very well. I actually did ok and I even passed!

Week 31
Greg's work had a small baby shower for us. It was so sweet! It was at Katie Kullberg's house and she and Betty were the hostesses. We received lots of great gifts and it was so thoughtful for them to throw us that shower! Good times had with that group!

Week 32
We traveled to Roanoke for another baby shower. The good ole fashion English baby shower. It was NO disappointment! All of my favorite foods, adorable decorations, cuteness of a cake, and all of the lovely ladies who have been so special in my life. Some ladies that were there knew me when I was still in my momma's belly! Those ladies have been a solid rock to my family and I love them all! Special thanks to my Momma, Emily and Laura for putting it all together. We were showered with so many great things! And of course my Kimmy.....such a sweet sweet sweet best friend to travel all of that way for my baby shower and then to get me our car seat on top of that!?! You didn't have to do that you know :) I owe you big time :)

Week 36
Brenda and Bill threw us a couples baby shower at their house. They were so thoughtful to do that! Everything looked fabulous and the food was delicious! There were people there we hadn't seen since the wedding and it was so good to catch up! Their friends are a riot and some extended family even made it down! So thoughtful of everyone to come! Thank you again Bill and Brenda! We loved it!

Random event: Kingsmill and surrounding areas had a major tornado come through during this shower. What? When did I move to Kansas?

Week 38.5
Big Gurl is all I have to say. Wowza!

Biggest hormonal moment:
Once again, NOT going into details, but it was on my birthday. May 1st. I couldn't even get through a skyped version of "Happy Birthday" from Sam and Sissy without crying. All I remember is Sam saying "Why's hers crying?" I was a wreck.
Note to all husbands: You can not over do your wife's birthday if she is pregnant.
That's ok. My toy was broken that day. But he was not broken on Mother's Day, so I guess that kinda made up for it.

Doctor's appointments: You know for nostalgic s sake.
At my 36 week appointment I was already 1 cm dilated.
37 week appointment I was still 1 cm but 50% effaced. What? Still only a 1cm?
38 week appointment I was a loose 2cm and 75% effaced.
39-40 week appointment still a loose 2cm and 80% ish effaced. BOO!!

Since I saw my due date come and go (Friday, May 13th) I had to pick an inducement date. Due to schedules and hospital schedules, we had to go with Tuesday May 17th. (Hope you like your birthday date sweet baby) And since I hadn't dilated anymore since my last appointment, I had to get a foley ball put in (pause for you to google). Really? Cause that was fun. Geez a certain someone does not want to come out and meet me!!

Wish us luck! Next blog...introducing my new son!

Second trimester

2011-01-10T23:47:00.027-05:00

The second trimester for baby Storck

Weeks 14- 27

November 12th - February 11th

Week 15

Yes, I know my eyes are closed. Yes, it makes me sad.

Week 17 Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
(Santa in his sleigh being pulled by reindeer)

I hear that being pregnant makes you take really, really good photographs. As you can tell by the above pictures that I must be REALLLLY pregnant. The pictures are so focused, centered, and up close. Hold please, Barry Brooks is calling in.

This night made my heart very, very happy. A small boating community, hot chocolate, carolers, the fife and drum, snuggling with the hubby. It was like a scene out of a movie.

Week 18

Week 19 Christmas Town

This night made my Christmas heart very happy as well. If you ever have the chance to come to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, I highly recommend it. They did a fabulous job at intertwining the religious aspect verses the commercial side of Christmas and did so respectfully. We would walk around and look at ALL of the lights and then go inside to warm up and watch a show. Loved, loved, loved it! It really was magical. The above picture is Greg and I on the train. They played Christmas carols over the intercom and we had our hot chocolate in hand. We were all snuggled together, riding around the park looking at the millions of lights. I think at one point my hormonal ass looked at Greg and said "I'm just so happy". He didn't have a response.

No wait. I remember now. He just smiled and rolled his eyes.

And then the train whistle blew.

Gender reveal

Week 20

We didn't find out the gender right away. My ultrasound was December 23rd and with it so close to Christmas, I thought it would be sweet if we waited until everyone was around the Christmas tree and we were opening presents all together. We did the big reveal in Charlotte at Uncle Bill and Aunt Carol's house on Christmas Eve. Greg and I decided to let Brenda (my mother in law) open the envelope. Since the ultrasound font was so small and the room wasn't lit very well, she couldn't read it. She kept trying to make out what it said, and finally had to get up and go to the lamp. We were all on the edge of our seats! As soon as she figured it out, she turned to us and with tears in her eyes said "It's a boy!" The whole room erupted in tears, cheers and hugs. It was so sweet and I am so glad we did it that way. It is something I will never forget. Never ever.

We woke up Christmas morning in Charlotte, got in the car and headed towards Roanoke to celebrate Christmas afternoon with my family. After driving in horrible snowy conditions we finally pulled into my mother's drive way. Everyone knew that we already knew what the gender was. Trying to keep a straight face until my mom had her chance to open the envelope was impossible. In fact, several times I referred to "him" as "he" and blew my cover. You just can't fool MaJO! Everyone was equally as excited when mom announced that it was a boy. I was glad to be keeping in English sister tradition and have a boy first.

I think he looks just like Greg. No one else sees it....but I do. 100%
Actually, Em said she sees it, but she doesn't count. We share a brain anyway.

It's a MAN!
I can't flip the picture, but instead of the ultrasound tech writing "boy" in the top left corner, she wrote, "It's a man!" Hence why Brenda couldn't make it out without her glasses.

Emily had to help me "see" the picture. I thought a buttcheck was a torso, the other buttcheck, his legs....I was all upside down.

Week 20 Half way point! Christmas 2010

20.5 Weeks
A huge Christmas blizzard hit and dumped up to 10 inches of snow in Williamsburg. No one knew what to do with themselves! This town is just not used to that much snow.
It was simply gorgeous.

December 31, 2011

21 Weeks

Kim and Matt came down to Williamsburg for New Year's Eve. Such good friends to sit around with an old, boring pregnant woman on NYE! It was such a relaxing night. We ate at a Chinese restaurant, came home and watched a movie, watched the ball drop, skyped with family members and reminisced. Oh the stories.... Kim and I have spend many a NYE s together and although I will never forget a one, this one we might actually remember ;) Love my Kim! And Matt! And Butters!

Jan 9, 2011

22 Weeks

This is who has been behind the camera all of this time taking my belly shots. I wanted to get a picture of what Greg looked like during all of this. I know it will mean something in 20 years. After all, it better damn it! He put up a little fight when I grabbed the camera from him for his "22 week" shot.

The second trimester was actually nice and the little guy was good to me. It was the most energy I had throughout my pregnancy. I was able to start shopping for my little boy and it was nice to finally know what we were having! I was also able to get started on the nursery. (I'll do a separate post on that!) But for the most part, Greg and I hibernated. We typically do this anyway in the winter time, but with the pregnancy I found we did it even more. We didn't really travel a lot and we watched A LOT of movies (in bed - my favorite movie watching spot!) and had the fire place roaring at all times.

Biggest hormonal moment: Wowza. This one is embarrassing. So embarrassing in fact that I am not going to go into details, but let's just say there were tears. Big ANGRY tears. And me throwing the contents of our tupperware drawer up in the air like confetti.

Greg and Maggie hid for the rest of the night.

Best milestone: Around the middle of January (22-23 weeks) I finally felt the baby kick. I actually went from feeling nothing at all to feeling him several times a day. The sweetest thing about it was that Greg and I felt it at the same time. We were laying in bed, reading and watching TV, when bam, he kicked me on my lower right side. I let Greg know immediately, that there was no denying what I just felt, was in deed a kick. Greg put his hand in the same spot and about a minute later he kicked again. I will never forget the look on his face. Finally, his first physical connection with our baby boy.

We're trucking right along. On to the 3rd trimester....

First Trimester

2010-12-13T15:55:00.015-05:00

The first Trimester for ye ole Storck baby.

I found out that we were expecting about 3 weeks in. (P.S. I love how you get 2 "free" weeks.) Greg and I decided to keep it a secret for as long as possible or at least until after my first doctor's appointment at 8 weeks.

I loved that special time when it was just Greg and I that knew.

The winks across a crowded room, planning the response for when someone asked me why I wasn't drinking, the smile that Greg would get when he heard my outrageous lie as to why I wasn't drinking, the arm nudges and whispers when a baby stroller would pass us by.

I will never forget those special weeks and the sweet unique bond we shared by keeping the biggest. secret. ever. Just us.

Labor Day 2010 ~ We have a secret!

When it was closer to the time of my first doctor's appointment, we started telling family and some close friends. We were busting at the seams. Everyone was thrilled of course.

My first doctor's appointment was Wednesday October 6th.

Out of all of my doctor's appointments so far, that first one was the most intense. At that point, all Greg and I knew was that an extra blue line popped up on a pee stick. That meant I was pregnant? Our lives were about to change forever because of one extra blue line? This type A needed more than that before I started picking out cribs.

After the ultrasound tech started, all was quiet for the first few moments. All I could concentrate on was how fast she was typing the keyboard and clicking the joystick. Greg had full on vision at the screen she was looking at. I did not. Her machine was blocking my view of the screen on the wall. The minutes seems like hours. I finally broke the aqwkard silence.

"Well.....?" I asked.

"Oh everything's fine. Looks good" She said.

We all breathed a sigh of relief.

I'm pretty certain I followed it with a big case of the English nervous giggles.

Greg's first question was "There's only one right?"

She then moved the ultrasound machine and that's when I saw the first picture of my brand new chapter in life.

Compared to other horror stories I have heard about first trimesters, mine was not that bad.

Weeks 1- 6

August 6th- September 17th

Symptoms: I had some night time nausea, but never threw up. After work during those first weeks, I would come home and crash. I had no motivation to do anything - I was just so tired! I had some light cramping (felt like menstrual cramps) but nothing that ever scared me.

Everything was still sinking in at this point. I remember being around our friends and thinking "they are going to die when we finally tell them!" Cause I was lying my face off as to why I wasn't participating in my normal festive activities.

I didn't have any food aversions at this point and I really wasn't craving anything either. Butttt, Greg and I were out running errands one day when I mentioned how good a strawberry milkshake sounded. If I could have read his mind, I am sure he was thinking "me and this pregnancy are going to get along just fine". He then found the closest McDonald's.

Weeks 7-13

September 18th - November 5th

Week 9: We went to Alexandria for Heather's wedding! We still weren't telling people and this was the "biggest show" I had to put on. "No bar tender, I KNOW it's a virgin drink, but I need it in a rocks glass, mkay?" It was GREAT seeing all of the old Ferrum kids and we really enjoyed the whole wedding weekend. The wedding was beautiful and Heather was even more gorgeous! Congrats Heather and Bobby! We love you guys! P.S. Thanks for the steak Jay! :)

Week 10: The in laws had their beach house that weekend and we went to join them. They also invited some old friends and their daughter came as well! It was such a relaxing, beautiful weather, hand holding, sea glass finding type of weekend!

Symptoms: Bring on the food aversions! At 6:36pm a salad sounded do able. After a prep time of 10 mins, I'd drizzle some salad dressing on it, grab a fork and plop down on the couch, and then wanted NOTHING to do with that mesly salad. Before I knew it, we had fired up the Chevy and were headed to McDonald's. That's right I said McDonald's. Remember the previous "I'm a health nut now" post? Yeap, that was out the window and it was game on Golden Arches. I always thought that I would be a "tofo lovin', nothing but organic veggies" type of pregnant woman. Honestly, eating healthy was harder than I thought it would be in the first trimester. Things that I loved before like a fresh salad, salmon, yogurt, etc, I didn't want anything to do with. Now before you go and call CPS on me, I sucked it up and as my first selfless motherly act, I forced these things down my throat. But, I always saved room for carbs, carbs, and more carbs. I was drawn to things that my grandmother used to make me growing up (analyze that Dr. Phil). Things like frozen chicken nuggets, frozen french fries, instant oatmeal, hotdogs, etc. Gross right?! (For the record, my grandmother was a fabulous cook, she just catered to the finickiness of a 6 year old.)

Oh, I added mustard and ketchup to everything. No, I mean everything. Again, gross. I know.

My nausea finally tapered off towards the end of the trimester. Butttttt, I had my worst night of it, the night that the Chilean miners were rescued (October 13th). In between crying hormonal tears of joy, I had to hang my head over a bucket. Although I never got sick, that night was definitely the closest I came. To this day, I am on a no puking streak.

Biggest pregnancy brain moment: I would start a load of laundry - add the soap, fabric softner, clothes - and then just walk away. Leaving the top wide open. (Our washing machine does not operate with the lid open) Greg would come behind me a few hours later, water ice cold by then, and holler down to me about me "doing it again". After the fifth or sixth time of excuses, i.e. "I'm just letting them soak honey", he would just silently shut the lid. Sigh.

Biggest hormonal moment: Crying, sobbing actually, because I missed the only trick or treaters that we had had in 3 years.

Due to poor planning on my part, I was still getting ready for that night's Halloween party. Since I was still half dressed (literally) I couldn't answer the door to pass out the candy. Which meant Greg had to answer the door, and I had to control our killer dog. Which meant that I had to literally sit on her at the top of stairs. Which meant, from my view, I only got to see the bottom half of a PEZ dispenser, a taco, and princess. Which meant, that a naked hormonal pregnant chick at the top of some stairs cried over some trick or treaters. Normal. Very, very normal.

Some exciting news....

2010-12-10T13:48:00.010-05:00

I have some exciting news to share with you guys! I have been wanting to share this news with you guys for quite some time, but wanted to make sure that we were in the clear and everything was right on track. And now's the time.....

Josh Groban has finally released his new album - Illuminations.

And. it. is. fabulous.

I may or may not have pre ordered it. I may or may not have listened to the CD on repeat for hours the night I got it. I may or may not have all of the songs memorized by heart.

Joshie Poo's gift could not have come at a more perfect time of year. Between his Christmas album and the new album, my little kitchen boom box has been extremely busy. Chances are that if you were to walk through my front door, his delicious voice would smack you right in the face.

And he can smack me all he wants.

Speaking of smacking. I should be smacked for the lack of blogging lately. You will have to forgive me though but I have been pretty pooped lately. You see, I am working on a pretttttty big project. A project that actually won't be done until mid May.

That's right folks. A baby.

Greggie and I are beyond exicted and to tell you the truth it really hasn't hit me yet. Or Greg. Or Maggie.

And I know, I know. Some of you knew exactly where this blog post was going the minute you read the title ;) You weren't fooled one bit by the Joshie Poo diversion.

I knew something was different around the end of August/beginning of September, as I felt really dizzy. I knew it was still a little early, but I went ahead and took a pregnancy test. The first one I took was one that my nurse roommate (at the time) gave me. Since it came from her work it didn't come with instructions, and I proceeded to take it like I was the nurse and I knew exactly what I was doing. The test had two windows in it, like all of the OTC ones do. The first blue line popped up soon after and I kept waiting and waiting for the second line to appear in the second window. Nothing. I called Greggie into the bathroom, shared the bad news, threw away the test and went on about my night. The next day the dizziness continued. We had big plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. I knew that an obscene amount of adult beverages would be in store, so I took one more test just to be on the safe side. One of my own tests. And lo and behold I had a second blue line pop up within seconds. That feeling of sweetness engulfed me and my smile was instantaneous. I of course didn't stop at one test either. I kept going. I figured 3 was a good number. After the third positive test, I started to think of creative ways to tell Greg who was at an evening work function.

Several hours later he came running through the door and up the stairs.

I meet him in the hallway.

"Come on Amy. Everyone is waiting for us"

Confused I asked "What? Who? Where are they?"

"The marina. EVERYONE is there. We have to go. Come ON."

"Oh" I said. "I don't think I'm going to go tonight"

"What?!" Greggie said "You love the marina. Come ON already"

With a huge grin on my face I said, "No. I don't think I'll be going to the marina for the next 9 months."

(SEE.....reallllll creative)

Then Greggie joined me with his very own permanent grin and we hugged right there in front of the washing machine.

It was September 2, 2010. 9.02.10 day. We celebrated by going to the Peach Pit for dinner.

Oh I kid.

8 Weeks

I'll update again with details from my first trimester. Promise.

15 Weeks

Since we were rushed to meet friends for dinner, I thought it was a good idea to stop and have Greggie take my belly picture.

When I asked him how it turned out he said "looks great - now let's go". He threw the camera in my purse and we were out the door.

It wasn't until I got in the car that I looked at the picture.

I bit my lip and shed a hormonal tear.

Negative 0 Weeks and 2 hours ;)

Oh. Too much?

After we told our friends, I asked Heather about the pregnancy test she had given me. I questioned if I was supposed to have a blue line in the second window. Her response - "Oh no, that's the control window. All you need is the one blue line."

Ohhhh. Woops.

Sorry baby. No picture of the positive home pregnancy test to put in your baby book.

Your Momma's an idiot and she threw the test away.

Do I even know myself?

2010-08-25T21:10:00.005-04:00

What a summer this has been!

We had a few trips to the beach, Dave Matthews Concert, pool fun, boat trips, a trip to Baltimore for a wedding, Busch Gardens, a trip to the "Rivah" and I feel like I am leaving something out. For the most part we have stayed close to home but were able to have several mini vacations! It has been so nice!

This summer has also brought on some lifestyles changes.... after all I did turn 30 *body shiver*

Things just aren't bouncing back the way they used to.

I have started taking vitamins (more than just a multi vitamin thank. you. very. much.) *body shiver*

I have stopped eating McDonald's *body shiver*

No longer take fill in the blank, stopped fill in the blank, and cut back on fill in the blank *MAJOR body shiver*

I check labels for high fructose corn syrup, cut coupons, stay away from sodas.

I mean - who am I??

My 21 year old self is pointing and laughing at my 30 year old self. And really, at this point, it's havin' a good ole' belly laugh.

According to my 21 year old self, the only cool thing going my way is my love for reality TV. The really really trashy ones too.

If there is a 'Real Housewives' in the title, it's on the DVR.

But the most jaw dropping change that has happened to me this summer is - are you ready? -

I exercise now. For the first time in at least 10 years folks I am pounding the pavement, doing sit ups, and attempting to do pushups.

I don't even know who I am.

FAIL

2010-06-23T22:16:00.004-04:00

**Edit to post**
I had to switch out the pictures.
Greggie was really happy that I put our address on the world wide web. No, really. He was. **

Really?

Every. Name. Is. Misspelled.

I can understand the last name- that damn "c" gets 'ya everytime. But "Amiee" ....really?

And please don't get me started on the "Joe".

The sad part though. The really sad, sad part.

This was a marketing blitz for a friend of ours. As in, a friend close enough that they should know how to spell at least one name correctly.

Don't worry Dex. Amiee and Gregg still love you.

Wen, can ya help our boy out and get this fixed right up?

God Bless Texas

2010-05-07T13:34:00.006-04:00

This was my cousin Brian's wedding on April 2, 2010 in Humble, TX. (Actually, I think the actually wedding was in another county, but I am not known for my memory...)

I had a fabulous time!
It was great to spend time with family and meet the newest additions to the Taylor clan! Ashley is a sweetheart and has the cutest little boy - she and my cousin make an adorable family! The wedding was absolutely beautiful, we really had a wonderful time. And I know I gained some weight while on my trip. We ate and ate and ate and ate. One afternoon, Unkie brought home some lunch - it was the best Bar-B-Que -lawrd a mercy. Another day, my cousin T Tay, was the hostess with the mostess, and brought us a Texan treat - crawfish! And she even taught us how to crack and eat them! They weren't half bad!

My sisters weren't able to go, and it was nice to have my momma all to myself! I really had a good time with Jo and Kenny. And of course the TAYLOR'S!

After you have viewed the slide show I know that you are going to have some questions about the pictures. Let me see if I can't clear some things up for you lost ones.

1. My mom and I did not go dress shopping together. I swear. Out of all the dresses in the whole wide world, we still picked out the same material / designer. Crazy huh? You have now enter the Twilight Zone.
2. My cousins are some dancers. They got that from their mother.
3. Yes, the grooms cake is a cooler 0f beers. Yes, that is the Browning symbol on the cooler. And yes, it is on the same table as the Bible.
4. I am a new advocate for spray on tans.
5. I am single handedly trying to bring back the push up bra. (you know what picture I'm talkin' bout ) *** edit to post*** obviously Em DOESN'T know what picture I'm talkin' bout.... hello ladies.

Pretty Swaggin Funny!

2010-05-06T14:38:00.002-04:00

For all you moms and dads out there, this one's for you!

http://www.youtube.com/sienna?adly_id=796569208#p/c/30DA2DAB5702C7D1/7/ql-N3F1FhW4

There are several other videos by the same family.
Be sure to watch them! I don't even has kids and I am rolling. Like OMG, ROTFL.

Where black pictures frames go to die

2010-04-28T16:36:00.008-04:00

My creativity juices have been flowing lately!
Anyone who says I do not suffer from SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) has clearly misdiagnosed me.
The sun comes out, temperatures go up and BAM, I want to paint the world.

I have been doing several different projects around the house. I wanted to show you one and ask your opinion on it!

As some background information, I have A LOT of wall space in my staircase. And it is one of the first things that you see when you walk into my house.

Front door = 2 sets of stairs staring right at you.
See?!

Please excuse the laundry.

Side note: When Greg and his family were in between houses, they rented a townhome 2 doors down from the one we are currently in. (The layout is exactly the same.) When Greg was little and he walked through the door at the rental for the first time, he looked up the staircase and asked "Is that where God lives?"

If you've been to my house, you can understand. I feel like I need an oxygen tank to make it up to the 3rd floor.

So this is the before picture.

So blah!

And this is the after.

Now be honest! Too much? Not enough? Too much black?

I think it needs one more on the "bottom row", 3 up from bottom. I feel like there is a hole there.

(Can you spot my assistant?

Just like her father.

They both just sit there and watch me do all of the work.

THEY ARE BOTH FIRED! )

I still need actual pictures to put in there, but that is a whole other project!

I would eventually like to get pictures of my grandparents , Greggie's grandparents, both sets of parents, Greggie and I baby pictures, current pictures etc. All in black and white of course!

Also a little sneak peak into what else I am working on....

You'll never guess who they are for!

And the best part.... they were on sale for 75 cents!

I'm kinda like a Wiseman

2010-04-21T12:39:00.006-04:00

'Cause I come bearing gifts.

Since I have only blogged once in the past year, I thought the least I could do to show you all I still cared, was to share some of my new favorite blogs with you.

I also want to give you a run - on sentence.

The later I can now check off my list.

You know how I like lists, so let's get this party started:

The first three are in the same category - DIY and home decorating

Thrifty Decor Chick

http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

This lady comes up with some pretty cute ideas.
I have yet to actually do any of her projects, but the ideas have inspired many spin off projects that I have tackled.

Also, TDC has a major obsession with moulding. Like, on every wall obsessed.
This would be my only critique about her style.
Some of her decorating ideas teeter on the line of just enough vs too much.
Sometimes it looks cheap, sometimes it looks like she paid thousands of dollars. So pick and choose the projects wisely my friends.

But she is faithful blogger and thus being the reason she has made the gift list.

Shanty 2 Chic

http://shanty2chic.blogspot.com/

The first thing to grab me was the name. I think that it's pretty catchy shanty ladies.

This blog is a pair of cutie patootie sisters who transform trash into treasures. Very similar to TDC, but just a touch more of my style.

Be sure to scroll down a few blog posts to the entertainment center. I think that this is super cute! Although the color is odd, I think that it works for the room - the playroom!

Again, some of the projects can look DIY- ish, but cute ideas none the less.

Southern Hospitality

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/

This is fairly new to me. I am about 3 weeks in and so far so good.

The first item to pop out at me was the tagline.

Adventures in Decorating, Thrifting, Cooking and Gardening

Decorating: Yes. Yes, I like to decorate.

Thrifting: Check, I like to yardsale.

Cooking: Si. I'm into cooking now.

Gardening: Squealing. I love to garden.

And that was that. I have been visiting her daily.

She is older than I am and I can sometimes see that in her style, but I still get useful ideas from her. Plus I am just proud that a 50 something lady can create such a cute, organized blog.
Cause Jo still can't leave a comment to save her life.

Love you mommy.

Next is a blog that took me a while to warm up to it. But now I am warm and toasty and I love reading about Nie's life everyday. Some of you may have already been to her site.

Oprah's a fan, so that's automatic cool points.

http://nieniedialogues.com/

I don't want to spill too many beans, but this is not a 'typical' blog that I would normally read everyday. I think that may be the major appeal for me. Or maybe its her cutie pies also known as her children. They do not look a thing alike, but completely match when all put together. Kinda like a quilt. And I love that colorful aspect.

And that youngest one. I could kiss his chubby cheeks right off of that wittle face!

Next is http://marriageconfessions.com/

The layout and font of her blog drive me up the wall, but I love her message.

Laugh. Fight. Stay married.

And she and her husband do just that!

Her truthful blogs about marriage make me feel human. They are funny in the right spots, but also make me sit back and think, all within minutes of each other. I think she definitely "gets it" -

A little less than a year ago, they welcomed a little baby boy named Bean into their lives.

And. He. Is. Precious.

This one is a personal favorite.

Another one of my favorites is Matt and Madeline.

http://www.mattlogelin.com/

Here is your warning. If you are pregnant, PMSin, hormonal for whatever reason or just a plain ole crier - grab a box tissues. Because. this. is. one. sad. story.

I am not going to tell you anymore.

I'm zipping my lips. ZIP.

Up at the top of his page is a tab entitled "hadn't been here before?"

Go there.

And call me later to discuss this story so we can cry about it together.

Oh. And here's another warning. He uses the F word.

No, not all of the time. It is very limited - but in my opinion, it's always at the right moment.

Cause sometimes no other word will do.

After Matt's heart wrenching story, you will need some laughs. These blogs will make you laugh out loud.

They really don't need an explanation - they are just plain old cheap laughs

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

And my last bloggy gift is certainly not least!

This blog is from one of my oldest Ferrum friends.

http://crazylewishouse.blogspot.com/

Wen just hopped on board with the blog train and she already has a professional looking blog. Jealous!

She and Jay just had baby Britten in January - he is a major hunk! I mean look at that hair! I am so excited that she started a blog so that I can watch this little man grow up!

*****

It took some of the above sites a couple of blogs before they got the AJ seal of approval. Don't let one bad blog ruin it for you.

After all, you know every dog has his day.

Lord knows I did.

For close to a year.

Where have ya'll been?

2010-04-12T22:17:00.007-04:00

I have been here.

Where have you guys been?

I have been here blogging day after day, pouring out my heart and soul into these posts.

Blood, sweat and tears folks.

And what do I get in return?

Nothing. Nada. Zip.

For this blog to continue we are going to HAVE to work on this. mkay?

Okay. So maybe I am partly to blame in this here blog relationship. But I have a good excuse.

Really. I do.

See.

This is how my laptop has been for a little over a year now.

Remember back when we remodeled the kitchen? Well. We had to move everything around and nothing was in it's normal place. Everything was packed into the living room. And I mean everything. Dishes, groceries, kitchen table, toaster, everything!

Including the kitchen sink.

Literally.

Junk started piling up, laptops ended up at the bottom of large, heavy piles, and before you knew it, a busted screen.

Happens to the best of us.

Greggie and I have been been living with the ink blob by minimizing the screen to fit in the "clean" area. But then it started to spread like the swine flu and, well, we didn't get a flu shot.

Thankfully I married a honorary member of the Geek Squad and he hooked us up.

Once again, literally.

And just like that - we are back in business!

One little problem.

I have a love / hate relationship with electronics.

I love what they can do for me.

Fast internet, wonderful smutty reality shows, power to my coffee pot-

BUT I hate the cords that come along with them.

Hate them.

Detest them.

So what am I going to do about above picture? Ugg.

And I am not talking about the yellow tow strap holding together my grandmother's antique bench.

I have bigger fish to fry people.

Like keeping up with a blog.

LPGA deliciousness

2009-05-12T20:59:00.004-04:00

Oh the LPGA.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Or maybe I should do a top ten list like David Letterman.

Either way there are going to be numbers involved.

Numero 10.

There are LPGA golfers playing golf in the backyard. This needs no explanation.
There are vicious rumors of In-Bev not renewing the tournament contract. If this happens, I will shed a tear. Seriously.

Numbero nine.

We usually have a house full of people stopping by over the entire weekend! I really enjoy seeing everyone. I also love being a hostess - just call me Martha.

Number 8.

I get to see these ladies.

Number 7.

The honey do list ACTUALLY gets done.

Number 6.

After watching the ladies for a weekend, they make playing golf look so easy. I really get the "kick ass and take names" attitude from them! Then I play golf the following week and that feeling is gone....immediately.

Number 5.

Thousands of fans make their way to Williamsburg for the weekend. With that, comes major money! With the state of the economy the way it is, tourists can come to Willamsburg and spend all they want! News Flash! There is more to Williamsburg than Busch Gardens.

I know, I know. No one told you.

But I just did - so considered yourself informed.

Number 4.

I get to see this lady. I may have a small crush. Hola Lorena. You play some bueno golf.

Number 3. I get to do some MAJOR people watching.

Number 2. Dear Apool. Next time your brother's girlfriend comes to play in the LPGA, can you let someone know? Thanks. Love, Mayme.

Although Meridith Swanson didn't make the final cut, it was awesome seeing a young lady from Roanoke play with the big dogs on Thursday! She played great and held her own! I now have another name to watch for- I know I'll see her name in these parts again!

Thank goodness that the rule of "It's a small world" is still in play.

I was able to meet Apool's brother and Meredith's fan club, all because of bug spray! Let me give the short version to a long story. The bugs were so bad the week of the tournament because of all of the rain we had prior to the start of play. I noticed the guy next to me swatting at all of the bugs and made a joke about him not having any bug spray. When he asked for some, I noticed his Roanoke College Lacrosse. When I told him I was from Roanoke, the rest was history! It was Meredith's camera guy and the person helping him was Apool's brother! Oh, and I was able to give them some bug spray. Like I said, I love being a hostess.

Number 1. No Pain, No Gain.

Really? You forgot to put sunblock on because Lorena was on Hole 5 and you were in a hurry? Nice Amy. Nice.

I'm sad to report, but I have a nasty case of cankle.

The left inner leg took a major beating from the sun.

And yes, my feet are on my cabinets.

I didn't want to take the picture with my feet on my kitchen floor. You would then see all of the dirt that I have been too tired to vacuum up. I can't have any of that silly.

The way I was sitting while the leaders passed through Hole 6 is quite evident. Even 3 days later.

If you can't watch Kristie Kerr make Kingsmill history by becoming the first 2 time winner, while simultaneously feeling the first layer of your skin fry off, then you can't call yourself a fan.

You can't even see my ankle bone.

With the above picture, I believe I should receive the fan of the year award. Either that, or Idiot of the year. Both are MORE than suitable.

Third time is a charm

2009-05-11T18:15:00.007-04:00

I think I love my dog.

But she has tested my love for her, shoe after shoe.

I do NOT even want to think about the money I have spent on Bird Dog's "chew toys".
And then the money I have spent to replace them.

I can not even tell you how many outfits have gone uncutiefied because of the lack of wooden wedges, spiked stilettos, and ripped out insoles.

If you don't believe me, just ask Buddy Bird.
He was sent out solo on the day of my wedding to buy the replacement pair of black stilettos that matched my pre wedding outfit.

Buddy Bird. My shoe size on a scrap piece of paper. The Nine West store.

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in THAT store.

For some reason, Bird Dog also love the material that crocs are made of. I think it's because she likes how it squeaks in between her teeth.
And it just so happens that I am on my fourth pair.

Bird Dog has become very cleaver about where she hides her addiction though. I have found shoes under the bed, tucked completely under her dog bed, pushed to the very back of the closet - the list goes on. In fact it wasn't until I saw the CROC button in her crapola that I knew she had finished off my third pair.

Folks, I know they are ugly as sin. But OH my heavens - they are like walking on clouds.

There is a point to my story.

As I hope you all know the LPGA was in Kingsmill this weekend. Don't worry, a "tolfer" blog to come. Thousands of golf fans walking all over the neighborhood. It set the stage for some good ole' fashion people watchin'. I, of course, did just that.

This one particular lady immediately caught my eye. She had on a cute outfit perfect for LPGA watching and I was taking some mental notes. As I was skimming her outfit, I finally made it down to her shoes. Simultaneously, I noticed how my feet were aching. After all, I was on hole 14 in Rainbow flip flops. This genius of a lady had found the perfect pair of shoes that incorporates both style and comfort.
Wedge. Crocs.
I was S.O.L.D. - immediately

After all ladies, we all know what wedges do for our calves.

I went online this morning and order these babies. They come in ALL sorts of colors, but I fell in love with this color combo.

Now before you croc haters start getting all up tight, just listen. It's not like I'm going to wear these to Greggie's high school reunion or anything. I think that they will be perfect though, for my marina loving self! Wash the sand right out of them, and they will be dry in no time flat! Or grab a beach towel and head to the pool. Also, crocs are great because you can wash them and odor is kept to a minimum.

Hey vinegar feet - you should try these!

The best part about my summer must-have purchase is that I was able to find an online coupon for FREE shipping! Just google croc coupons, copy and paste the code and you are golden.

I also googled and purchased an electrical shock chip that you can insert into the heel of your new shoes.

Next time, Bird Dog goes after her favorite squeaky pair of shoes, she'll be shocked into next week.

One step ahead of you Bird Dog. One step ahead of you.

Richmond, Ferrum Style

2009-04-26T15:48:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, we went to Richmond for Leslie's birthday party and Leslie and John's housewarming party.

Oh how I needed this!

It has been a long, hard, boring winter in Williamsburg.

It was a beautiful spring evening, with some good ole friends in a good ole town.

It really made me miss living in Richmond. I love everything about that city! The people, the atmosphere, the nightlife, the shopping, the attitude, and last but not least - Sticky Rice and Nacho Mama's.

I hadn't seen the Ferrum crew in a long time! But we picked up right where we left off! That just goes to show how our group is :)

We didn't skip a beat!

Here are some pictures from our DELIGHTFUL night!

Of course we Ferrum kids, were the last ones standing!

Jay is in there somewhere - oh wait. I see a foot!

Let's not wait so long for the next time guys!

Love you guys :) Oh and Leslie....sorry about the mess :)

"Tolfers"

2009-04-06T17:02:00.007-04:00

Greggie Poo and I had a house full of diapers this weekend. And we loved every minute of it.

Em and the babies came down for the weekend and we had a great weekend full of family time, dirty diapers, and kisses!

Not necessarily in that particular older.

I am proud of my super mom of a sister who made the trip in the first place. Our Mom had originally planned to come with her and help her with all that comes with having two little ones. Plans changed and Mom couldn't make the trip. But this wasn't stopping Em.

On Friday night, we went over to the Soderbirds :) and had a playdate with Ms. Marin! Greggie and the Soderbirds then went to a "young" dinner club in Kingsmill, called First Fridays. No babies allowed at First Fridays, so Em and I decided to come home and I proceeded to make our OWN gourmet meal. For our appetizer we had an English favorite- Potato chips and green onion dip. Many a good stories are told over this little tub of deliciousness. After convincing ourselves not to not consume the whole bag, we moved on to our main course. Frozen chicken patties and tater tots. I have become very good at doctoring up this oldie but goodie thing I call a meal. I must admit, THEY WERE DELICIOUS! Greggie soon came home and made our final course - dessert! A brownie covered in ice cream and magic shell - yum!

What can I say, we operate a 5 star restaurant at 110. We then called it an early night. We wanted to make sure we got our beauty rest for our busy day we had the next day.

On Saturday morning we woke up early to head over to Busch Gardens. I had to pull off some veteran Busch Gardens skills in order to get super star parking. And did we ever!

Stick with me kid; I'll show you the ropes.

It was a beautiful day! It was so cute to watch "Serious" Sammy Bird take it all in. He was not sure what to think of the real life sized Sesame Street characters.

And come to think of it, I didn't know what to think either. We'll have to compare notes Sam.

After we were all sore from pushing the double stroller around, we decided to pack up and head home. I have never seen a 2 year old excited to leave Busch Gardens.

But he had bigger and better things on his mind.

"TOLFERS!"

We told him after he woke up from his nap, he could watch the golfers play behind the house. So right on cue, he woke up from his nap, yelled out for his "Momma" and then quickly followed it, with "Tolfers".

Well hello Mr. Memory.

Nice to meet you.

Sammy Bird watched the golfers the rest of the afternoon. He would wait for them to make it to the green, watch them for a little bit, run upstairs to our bedroom to get the better view, and high five Bird Dog on the way up.

After a few hours of doing this, he grew tired and wanted to play golf himself!

"Tub" (Club) he kept saying. Em and I kept telling him that he had to wait until the golfers were done for the day.

I don't think he liked our answer.

Sam then went to the source where he knew he would get the answer he wanted.

Greggie!

Greggie gave him his "tub" and told him he had to play with it out front. Sam proceeded to shove 100 golf balls out the doggie door, and away he went.

With every good golfer though, one would get bored with the "putting green" and would soon want the real course.

That would go for this 2 year old prodigy as well. Sam kept begging us to go outside (out back) and play "tolf". Em and I had so much to do for our cookout that night, that we couldn't go with him. Plus, there were still golfers on the course.

Kev Fed, I mean Greggie, made up a little white lie in hopes that he would forget about golf and become occupied with something else. Greggie told him that when Bill and Brenda get here, then we can go outside. A few hours passed, and our guest started to arrive, included in this; Bill and Brenda(my in-laws). Sam magically appeared at Bill's pant leg and gave it a little tug. Then "tolf" and "outside" came racing out of his mouth.

When he asked this time, he actually got what he wanted. We all went out back to watch the little "tolfer" himself.

To my pleasant surprise, he was actually good. Em dropped several balls on the green and let him swing away. Not only did he make contact with the ball, he even made it in the hole! After everyone picked up their jaw off of the floor, we just kept feeding him golf balls all evening. Sammy was a dead ringer!

He may have only just learned how to say my name correctly, but the boy can play golf.

Our little "tolfer" is still the talk of the town on Hole 6!

Sammy, I would just like for you to remember your auntie when you win the Masters. By the way, I think you look good in green.

After a yummy dinner, we all visited and laughed the rest of the night!

On Sunday Em needed her Kohl's fix and we did a little shopping - with the kids! Towards the end of the shopping trip, Sammy started to gain tired of bargain hunting. Is he really related to us? He was ready to go and he let us all know it. Em promised that if he was a good boy for just a little longer, that we would leave soon and he could go home and watch the "tolfers".

He was silent the rest of our shopping trip.

Oh she's that good people.

We had such a great weekend! The weekend flew by so fast, that I didn't even get one picture!

After Em and the babes left, I could still see their presence in the house though.

I moved my coffee table to vacuum. This is what I found. Yeap. Sammy Bird was here.

It's a good thing he's so cute, because NOBODY gets in the way of me and my coffee.

"Tolf" ball, Maime's "toffee", Sam do it.

Mind you, I only found the golf ball half way through.

I take my coffee with cream, sugar, and a golf ball please.

Bird Dog barely made it through her dog door before passing out. Sammy Bird gave her a run for her money this weekend.

"Oh Baggie"

I miss you guys already! come back soon.

The "Tolfers" miss you cheering for them Sam!

The Stork has delieved yet again

2009-03-12T15:24:00.008-04:00

My lips are so chapped from kissin' on that new little baby of mine.

I am so excited to announce that Charlotte 'Charley' Jane was born on March 9th! She was 8lb 3oz, 21 inches long and 100% adorable. Huh. Funny. Those were my same stats when I was born.

I had quite the little adventure when I received the call that Em Bird was in labor. My work was awesome enough to let me take several days off to help the new little bundle get acclimated to her new parents. It's just what aunts do. I packed up my car and hit the road. Before I knew it, I was in Roanoke. Em bird was getting her epidural when I arrived at the hospital, so Mom and I grabbed lunch before I went up to her room.

Our conversation at the table went a little like this.

"How fast were you going? I hope you weren't speeding"

"No Mom, I wasn't speeding"

"Is the salad good?"

"Yeah, Mama. It's really good actually. Thanks for lunch. Work is going pretty good.... Greg and I went to this really fun place this weekend...Let me tell you about it...and...."

Interruption from Jo Bird.

"You know Emily's gonna have that baby by the time I get back up there"

Alright. Guess I'm done with my salad.

We middle children can never catch a break.

Luckily, we made it back up to the room before EmBird had that baby. We all sat in the room visiting and laughing at Em all doped up. Oh, and seeing way too much of any one person's body parts. These doctors mean business when it comes to checking dilation.

They have no time to warn the weak.

Charley scared us a couple of times. Her heart rate would drop, then race back up to normal, then drop again. Each time that would happen, Em would have to immediately switch to either her left or right side in hopes of regaining normalcy. I'm not going to lie, it was kinda funny seeing her pregnant self flop around on the bed like a fish out of water. But not funny at the time I mean? I knew there was a reason I am not in the medical field.

At one point in time Em felt a little draft and repositioned the covers around her. But wait. Oh, her water broke. Glad to see the epidural doing it's job.

When Sir Speedy came in to check Em, he had an uneasy look on his face. He quickly looked around the room to make sure everything was set out and ready to go. I looked at the cutie of a nurse and she had the same look on her face. I quickly gathered my things, threw up my gangsta peace sign and hit the road. I knew the time was close and I wanted to get out of there while the gettin' was good.

I was in the waiting room when Mom came to get me. Charley was once again saying SYKE.

BACK to her room I went. Only this time, I wasn't in there long. The Dowdy's showed up with my little man, so I went to relieve them so they could visit with Em before the stork came. Also, Em didn't want Sam to see her with wires, oxygen, and the such, so I stayed with him in the waiting room. Mommy. Scary.

It was soon go time. Everyone went back out to the waiting room. We had the easy part of waiting, while Em was takin' care of all the hard stuff. Before I knew it, Buddy Bird was in the waiting room announcing the arrival of his little girl.

When I first held Charley I realized she was perfect. I held her up and in my Indian chief voice (feather, not dot) and said "I shall call you Charley Bird". And that was that.

Our other little princess.

Oh the trouble we three are going to get into.

Sorry Charley, this is now your shadow.

I love little cross eyed newborns

Cause we're best friends

Makin sure that everything is there

Mommy make up

My first attempt at getting us all together. Sammy Bird didn't get the memo.

I think I look pretty good with a baby in my arms.

I'm such a bear

2009-03-03T23:18:00.004-05:00

Oh my holy gracious.

My alarm clock just went off.

I overslept and missed the whole month of February.

What happened?

Did I miss anything?

Is Baby Charley here yet?

Did Dylan Bird have a birthday?

Did Sammy Bird turn 2 already?

Did Danny Bird have her 16th birthday? I mean 6th?

It snowed in Williamsburg?

That really happened on The Bachelor?

There is a blind guy, a new judge and a girl whose real name is Lil Rounds, on American Idol?

What? That wasn't a dream? Obama really is our new President?

What is the sam hell is going on here?

I clearly hibernated way too long. So much to catch up on....

Shoe Heaven

2009-01-18T22:46:00.007-05:00

What you are about to read is the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.

This pair of shoes was $3.48. Not lying.

How cute are these?

This pair was $2.48!

Target, I heart you.

This pair was $3.48. I know. I know. I looked for my size.

(You can't really see it in the pic, but they are pink. Hello color.)

This pair was something like $2.78.

I don't know why, but the new Target by my house had a MAJOR shoe sale. And I was glad to do my part to stimulate the economy. I didn't know what size Charley would be vs. the time of year, but this deal was too good to pass up.

She may be a little Eskimo in the middle of July, but she WILL be the cutest little Eskimo in the middle of July.

Also, the little sneakers may be too small, so Sammy bird may be passing those along to his BFF Jackson.

Kelly, if Em Bird has not passed along these to you yet, just wait my friend.

Jackson's 1st birthday is coming up and we Englishes are re-gifters.

Its just what we do.

Just act surprised.

And just when you thought I was done with the shoe sale at Target, out pops these little pics.

Your eyes are not deceiving you. The sneakers match.

If Sammy Bird and Dyl Bird had a song playing everytime they see each other it would be "So Happy Together"

I hear it playing in my head while I watch them interacting with one another.

Not really.

I just made that up.

They go together like peas and carrots.

Both the sneakers and my baby boys.

Last. But certainly not least. My little Danny Bird. Aka Squirt.

Chocolate ballet flats for under $4. Period.

Target, you complete me.

Okay...so this is why....

2009-01-15T22:26:00.012-05:00

This is why I haven't been blogging.

My house has been in complete shambles.
Between Christmas traveling, New Year's Eve house guests, and this remodeling project, I've been pretty darn busy.

Oh, and because our kitchen AND dining room is piled in our living room, I couldn't find the laptop.

I have found it now, thus, let the party continue.

Our floors are finally finished! Thank you Baby Jesus. The remodeling process was a messy one, but one that was well worth the wait.

Dust, noise, and grout stains everywhere. Oh my!

Here is the finished product! Minus a little clean up on the base boards.

They look great!

So now that the floors are all said and done, I wanted to catch you up on, ummm, euhhh, Christmas?

Christmas in January is the cool thing to do.

This year we went BIG for the Christmas tree. I'm talking 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' big.

As part of the Junior Women's club, we won a silent auction for a "cut your own Christmas tree".

Boy, was Greggie excited!

In all actuality he really got into it and we had a fun afternoon of picking out our tree, tape measure and all.

In our living room we have high ceilings, so before we left, we measured twice to cut once.

Here she is in all of her glory!

It's a 6 1/2 foot truck bed friends.

Once we had it decorated....

Speaking of 'Christmas Vacation', we had a bird's nest in our tree! Don't worry, I put one of Grandma's fake birds in there to make the nest feel useful.

I'm serious 'bout that Clark.

Our mantle.

And that was basically it. I went lite this year because I knew it would be a construction zone at 110. Two inches of dust and Christmas decorations do not mix with me or with Santa. You just don't mess with the fat man.

Below is a picture of the English girls the day after Christmas. We know where the massage chair hook up is. What can I say, 7am and annoying Target shoppers can catch up with you.
I knew life was better at Macy's.

p.s. I sooo totally got Danny Bird the pink hat she is wearing. You can wait until the next time you see me to tell me how cute she is!

This picture below just makes me smile. Who knew mattress shopping could be so fun for a 22 month old? Coke, popcorn, carousel rides, stuffed animals and a really fast ride in a monster stroller thingy from your Unkie in a camo hat.
Top that Brittany.

Here's to going Green

2009-01-02T15:57:00.003-05:00

Well.
For several decades now, Greggie Poo and I, have heard numerous accounts of how our environment is effected by how we humans treat it.

And they all have gone in one ear and out the other.

Maybe its the invincible attitude that our generation has, but I have always thought someone else would take care of it. Although I didn't know who, I just assumed someone would. Anyone.

And while several advancements have taken place in the world towards the reversal of the damage we have done, there is still so much we humans can do.

Therefore, as of 2009, the Storcks are now recycling. That's right folks. We are jumping on that bandwagon.

Our New Year's resolution is to start recycling and to be mindful of our waste.

Cue the patriotic music. (Mom, please stay seated)

So here's to going Green.

We are rinsing out milk jugs, crushing drink cans, and de-labeling spaghetti jars. We are taking this very seriously people.

Even Bird Dog is climbing aboard the wagon. She has decided to donate her poop poos to the local greenhouse, so they may add it to their fertilizer. So something stinky, can add nutrients to the soil and help grow a beautiful flower.

EWWW. Gross!

Who do you think we are?! Crazy hippie people living in a tree house over in California?

Baby steps people. Baby steps.

Let's just start with the basics please.
Paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic.
No poop.

So what was your New Year's Resolution?

Recycling? Dieting? Volunteer more? Make love, not war? Read more?

I'll be digging through my trash while I wait for your responses.

Happy 2009!

Happy Birthday Tweety Bird

2008-12-15T23:09:00.001-05:00

Well Happy Birthday there Tweety Bird.

I can't believe that you are the big 4-0! Wooza

Oh, you're not 40- woops, my bad :)

You really don't look a day over 21.

Hope you had a day full of peace and quiet. No wait...I know that didn't happen!

Happy Birthday Bird Dog

2008-12-14T15:02:00.004-05:00

My baby turns 3 years old today.

She's so spoiled. And yes, there was a candle on her cake. And yes, we sang to her.

This was actually from last year. She's just so stinkin cute in this picture, I wanted to post it.

Awwww. Baby Bird Dog. Seeing her baby pictures always makes me want another one.

This was before her underbite took over her face.

It seems like yesterday.

They just grow up so fast.

Happy Birthday to the best doggie in the WORLD.

Below is Bird Dog's elf thingy.

It's a whole 'nother blog as to why it seperate. Jib Jag is in the doghouse today.

It just never gets old

2008-12-14T14:42:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Stupid Jib Jab

2008-12-13T00:10:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Happy Birthday Buddy

2008-12-11T16:40:00.005-05:00

Well Happy Birthday there Buddy Bird.

Clever I know.

As we all know, Buddy is what my sister and her husband call each other. Why, I have no idea, but it has seemed to have stuck. After scanning my brain for a blog name for him, Buddy is what I came up with as well.
Clearly because Coach Bird, Soccer Bird, and Jack Ass Bird, just doesn't have the same ring to it. So Buddy Bird it is.

On with the Birthday shout out.

Buddy Bird has been a great addition to the English fam. Not only is he down right hilarious, he loves our family for who we are. He's not about changing our foolish ways, he's about accepting our foolish ways.

For instance. If the English girls go shopping, Buddy Bird pretty much knows there's a 90% chance, that one of us is going to lose our purse. Therefore, he keeps a list of bank numbers, credit card numbers, and the DMV on speed dial.

Also, he knows we are not morning people and he should just get up and fix breakfast for himself and Greggie Poo and let Em Bird and I sleep in.

He just gets us. Never tries to change us.

So as a special little "thank you", I have decided to do something that I know you have wanted to do, but just haven't had the time to do yourself.

"Elf Yourself"

I know, I know. You're excited.

But look...it's hilarious.

Oh, and since I am in the poor house. Or maybe I just procrastinated in shopping, wrapping and mailing your present. Consider this your gift. Sucka.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Hope you have a great Birthday.

I got nothin

2008-12-10T22:19:00.005-05:00

People. I just don't have anything to blog about these days. I mean sure, things are happening in my life. But to come to the computer and write about them....ah, not so much.

I have started and somewhat finished my Christmas decorations (a whole 'nother blog) - and they look glorious.

Oh, I ate my bowl of brag wheaties this morning.

The only problem is, we are having our gas fire place plumbed in this week. The construction area in my living room is messin with my type A personality in a major way. When everything is back in order, and with the new fireplace lit, I will take pictures to blog about.

I also have pictures and videos from Thanksgiving in Roanoke. Since Em Bird will not answer my phone calls, I can not ask her permission before I blaster her son all over YouTube. Whenever she decides to phone a friend, I will post the most adorable video of one of my main men.

So since the update (or lack thereof) is taken care of, and I have nothing else to blog about, I thought I would list random facts that took place in my life today.

Number 1. This morning, I woke up with a bulldog in my bed, that was waaaay more comfortable than I was. Could it have been the fact that she had 80% of the bed and Greggie Poo and I were fighting over the last 20%?

Number 2. I had a delicious salad from Farm Fresh for lunch today. Who still loves salad bars? I do! I do!

Number 3. It was 63 degrees in Williamsburg today! Greggie Poo and I decided to take advantage of the weather and we took Bird Dog for a walk. She is finally learning to walk without a leash! I could not be more proud. She's finally learning manners!

Number 4. Greggie Poo and I just wasted $4.99 on renting the movie "Fred Claus" - I do NOT give this movie 4 stars.

Number 5. I FINALLY found my Josh Groban Holiday CD. Boo Yah! Who's full of Christmas Spirit now????

Oh Fridays!

2008-11-24T23:24:00.008-05:00

I love Fridays.

Why, may you ask?

Not only is it the start to the weekend, but this little gem of educated literature is waiting for me in my mailbox.

I'm not going to lie, I walk a little faster to the mailbox on Fridays. Rain, sleet or snow, my baby will never spend the night in the mailbox.

It's such a great way to start the weekend.

This past Friday was Christmas a few weeks early though.

Not only did I get the normal Friday delivery of my People magazine and not only was it the Sexiest Man Alive! issue, but I also received a whole second People magazine.

Ahhh, the Christmas issue.

They were both equally pleasurable.

After flipping through the Sexiest Man Alive! issue, I couldn't help but stop and think that People may have forgotten a few candidates for the Sexiest Man Alive for 2008.

For instance...

This beautiful face. How could they forget this purty thang?

Oh my!

Oh my Nellies! Those beautiful curls peeping out from his hat!

Think cold thoughts, think cold thoughts, think cold thoughts.

Whew! Excuse me! Where was I?

I have attached this video for your listening pleasure.

Go ahead.
Press play.

You will not be disappointed.

(This is for my little buddy and his emotional mother..."choo choo")

Another example of People being completely rushed on printing day is this....

Hello HSM3!

I totally blamed Danny Bird for dragging me to this movie, but let's be honest here, I was going to go with or without her. If you can't exploit your niece then what use is she? Really.

I DO love me some WILDCAT!

There were several times in the movie that EmBird had to nudge me out of my own personal daydream with Troy. Don't worry, Captain Call-out says I had to nudge her a few times too.

EmBird, I completely missed this scene in HSM3 where this picture came from- I must have been in the bathroom. Or deep in my daydream. Which kinda looked something like this anyway, so I don't feel cheated.

(Danny Bird, cover your eyes)

There is nothing TROY about this pictures ladies. This screams nothing but Zac baby.

Hold on, I need to open a window.

Ahh, much better.

This video is for my little strawberry blond shadow. I need to hear some sing - along action squirt!

Can her hands be all over him a little more?

I'm watching you Gabriella.

Now granted, Zac did make the top 100 cut, but he is clearly top 5 material. People magazine...hellooooo?

Now for this next candidate, I was tenaciously searching the pages high and low for. This person was no where to be found. The judges were obviously out to a long lunch, sabbatical, maternity leave, something. Because this is a no brainer folks.

Maybe next year honey.

One tired pup

2008-11-13T22:58:00.003-05:00

This was Bird Dog after a weekend of the English fam invasion!

She stayed like this for hours...literally!

People....she didn't move. What kind of dog does this?
Okay...so maybe it was a lot funnier when we were taping it!
"A lot funnier" - this is my translation for "I need to get a life"

It's about darn time

2008-11-05T19:05:00.008-05:00

20 years. That's how long it has taken these two. But, I am pleased to announce that Tweety Bird and LA Bird are engaged. (I know you like the name)

Tweety Bird popped the question with the assistance of the two little munkins. From what I hear, I don't know who was more excited - them or him.

Tweety Bird first came into the saga 20 years ago when he was a junior in high school. Sister bird was a freshman and she was in major love. Every Thursday when the Vinton Messenger came, she would fly to the sports page. She would clip every picture of him out of that damn paper and paraded it around the house. She then hung it on the Tweety collage/shrine she was working on in her room.

Some of the random facts that my sister beat into my brain about her dream man- Remember I was 8 years old now -
1. He's so totally awesome at baseball
2. His number is 3
3. His college team is UNC
4. His professional football team are the Steelers
5. He's so totally awesome at baseball

Weekends were date night for these two. Which who are we trying to fool here - Tweety Bird had the pleasure of meeting my father. So their date nights included watching TV at our house....with the lights ON! This meant one thing for Em Bird and I. We had our plans for the night too. I remember crawling on our stomachs, like army men, trying to sneak a peak at what was going on in the living room. LA Bird would yell for Mom; we would get in trouble; 15 minutes later we were crawling on our stomachs again. Such fun to torture your older sister when you are 8 and 6 years old huh? Hey, Tweety Bird stuck around didn't he?!

I took the liberty to look up hit songs in 1988. You know, just so you can take a walk down memory lane.
"Need You Tonight" INXS
"Look Away" Chicago
"Every Rose Has It's Thorn" Poison
"Sweet Child of Mine" Guns 'n' Roses ( I totally see Tweety Bird rockin out to this one)
"Don't Be Cruel" Bobby Brown
"Red Red Wine" UB40 (My personal favorite)

I better see some air guitar with this one.

Soon was Prom, Kevin graduated, Laura went off to college...they drifted apart.

A few years went by, when one night, I ran into Tweety Bird at a hot spot in town. He nearly choked on his adult beverage when he saw me. I was all grown up. I wasn't crawling on my stomach anymore. We spoke for a while, caught up with one another and then said our good byes. It would be a few more years before I saw him again.

A few years later, skipping all the unimportant drama, Tweety Bird and LA bird were soon hot and heavy again. It's like they picked up right where they left off. This time around though, 2 little things were different. Dyl Bird and Danny Bird. Tweety Bird didn't seem to mind. He jumped right in with both of them. Coaching T-Ball, sending Danny Bird back to her room when she comes out in an outfit not appropriate for a 4 year old, going to dance recitals, watching soccer games...the list goes on. And they adore him. What else could an overprotective aunt ask for?

In all seriousness, I am so happy for you both. I love seeing you as a family. Tweety bird, you are a very special person for what you have done for my sister and her children. No ordinary man could do this job. I have complete faith in you!

Oh, and, Keeevvviiinnn, Welcome to the family. Sucka!

REREDRUM

2008-10-31T17:05:00.006-04:00

Cam, this one is for you.

Cam, Hello, are you there?

At a recent beach trip, we were doing what Vinton does best. Chatting. Emily, Greggie Poo, Cam, Ashley and myself sat around in the living room just chatting away.

*Side note* Ashley, thanks for being so patient with my crazy, erratic family. Or maybe I should say, thanks for being so patient with Greggie Poo and myself...we're known to be a little on the wild side.

The topic of neighbors came up. How, I have no idea, but it did. Everyone was sharing their crazy neighbor stories. Some were about neurotic neighbors, some were about nosey neighbors, (I just remembered how we got onto the subject), and some were about non pet loving neighbors. Greggie Poo and I just sat back and listened. Towards the end of the conversation, Greggie Poo and I thought that we should fess up. We looked at each other and simultaneously said

"We have you ALL beat."

"Our neighbor is a murderer." "And she HATES Maggie."

Okay people, if the first strike wasn't enough to convince you of her evil, the second strike should put that baby to bed.

Silence.

You could've heard a pin drop.

Laughter, followed by "no way" or "I don't believe you" started coming from the room.

"Oh yes. It's true. Look it up if you don't believe us. Her name is Blankety Blank" We said.

If you think that I'm posting her name, you're crazy. But get in touch with me and I'll gladly give it up. Because it's ALL of google.

Needless to say, Greggie Poo and I have started locking our doors.

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

2008-10-27T21:03:00.011-04:00

I have no excuse for not blogging.

None. Whatsoever.

I do apologize.

There have been many celebrations in October that I have not blogged about, but had all intentions of doing.

Sister Bird's Birthday

Greggie Poo and I's first Anniversary

K Bird's Birthday

And most importantly Sammy Bird can say my name. Not only does he say my name, but he associates my purty face with my name. Maybe, just maybe, it's because I give him candy everytime he says my name. I dunno. Or maybe it is golf balls. In any case, call it positive reinforcement.

So first we have sister bird's Birthday.

Sister bird and I have not always seen eye to eye on everything. But we always seem to work it out.

For instance, like the time I would not let her ride my new bike that I got for my birthday.

She was so jealous.

I could see it in her face.

It was a beautiful spring afternoon when I received my bike from Mom and Dad. My little Huffy was a real beaut, let me tell you. It was aqua and hot pink with a white wheel wash. I was in complete and utter love.

I immediately asked sister bird if she would like to play outside.

She said yes, I went to grab my new baby, and we headed out the door.

I hopped on my new bike before I even got to the road.

I joyfully zoomed by her pedaling as fast as I could on my brand new Huffy. She stood and watched.

Again. Zoom. Down the hill, right by her.

She watched on and quickly realized that I had only asked her to play outside, so I could show off my new ride. Duh??

With sister bird being the baby, she was not having any of this public display of sibling show-offedness.

With each circle I did, whizzing by her on my new bike, I could see the enviousness start to build up.

She just stood there.

Playing with old fashion sticks and rocks in the road. Ha! Sticks and rocks!

But, I was on my new killer bike...I didn't care about her Little House on the Prairie toys.

I thought that one more zoom past her should do the trick.

Little did I know, but NOBODY puts Baby in the Corner.
(one of the best movies of all time...even if Grandma walked out of the movie theatre at the sight of Patrick Swayze's buttocks)

I started my final, in your face, lap.

Just as I had zoomed past her with the biggest smirk on my face, I heard it.

Little footsteps on the asphalt going 90 miles a minute. Making the sound that only Keds can make when hitting the asphalt.

Sister Bird was after me and she was fastly approaching. What was she after I wondered?

Only Sister Bird knew.

She was out for revenge.

That's when I felt it. Her jagged, little pointy fingernails grabbed me from behind. She went for my shirt and my right handle and did what no lady should do. She pulled me as hard as she could.

Oh. No. She. Didn't. I thought.

But oh yes she had. She pulled me right off of my new bike while I was going about 86 miles an hour.

I don't remember hitting the pavement. Nor do I remember the next couple of seconds of laying there in the middle of the road.

The next thing I do remember is slowing getting up, feeling the warm blood trickle down my chin, and seeing sister bird a half mile down the road on my brand new huffy.

The only thing I could think of was one word. And it rhymes with Witch.

Sister bird then turns the bike around and we make eye contact. She is going 90 miles an hour down the hill. Straight for me. I felt like the dude in a foreign country, holding that red thingy. Sister bird was the bull.

Then ZOOM right past me.

Blood and all.

She knew what she had done. As soon as she passed me, she hopped off my huffy, ditched it in the cold grass, and ran home.

I slowly walked over and picked up my new Huffy. And I sadly walked her home. Dripping blood from my chin the whole way.

We didn't speak for a while.

A whole 45 minutes.

Daddy fixed my chin up. I told him the WHOLE story. And boy, he wasn't happy.

Sister bird got a spankin that day. The spankin heard round the World.

There. Thatda teach her.

As far as my busted up chin. It was a small price to pay for such a sweet victory.

Happy Birthday Sister Bird

************************************************************************************
Second of all. We have Greggie Poo and I's first Anniversary.

When I was working in the assisted living community, my residents threw me a bridal shower. Too cute, I know.

As part of my shower, each resident had a chance to give me some marital advice. We all sat around in the common area as each one began to tell me their own stories of marriage bliss....some good, some bad, and some down right hilarious.

And, In between stories, there was Ms. Fields.

"Huh? What did he say?"

Someone would shout across the room (so the whole State of Virginia could hear) to fill her in on what was just said.

"Oh, that's a good one. Un Hum."

She always tickled my funny bone. Maybe cause she had a little of Grandma in her. She gets jiggy with it.

I recently came across the paper with all of the advice on it.

I started to read it and found a chuckle with each line.

From my favorite little two toothed man we have ..."Don't humiliate each other"

No comment.

From the grumpiest old man in the place (who somehow found a special spot in my heart) we have... "Destiny makes us brothers, None can make his way alone, Each good thought we have for others, Comes back to our very own."

Everyone in the room had to pick up their jaw after that one. I guess I had found a special spot in his heart as well.

I don't want to make my way alone. I am so blessed to have found my soul mate.

From my spunkiest little lady we have..."Let him think he is getting his own way"

Oh, Mrs. C, I have this one mastered!

From the couple that celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary a mere days before, we have...(simultaneously I must add, "Hold your tongue"

Truth be told, I have NOT mastered this one. But I am honestly working on it.
~
"Huh? What did they say?"

"Oh yeah, that's a good one. Un Hum."

Each couple is different. Each couple can not be compared to another. We are a one of a kind couple.

So here's to my husband. Who puts me in my place. Who eats my burnt hard shell tacos. Who makes me belly laugh. Who I trust. Who is my best friend. Who spoils me rotten. Who spoils Bird Dog rotten. Who makes me want to be a better person. Who let's me call him Greggie Poo on my blog. Who I miss when he's away. Who I love.

Yuck! Who just wrote that sappy paragraph. Get off of my blog you impostor.

Happy Anniversary Greggie Poo.

************************************************************************************** Third of all, we have K Bird's birthday.

K Bird is a man of few words. But when he does speak we all listen. As it is full of wisdom and guidance.

I do not find it odd that my mother fell in love with a man of such few words. After all he did marry my mother, which means he has married into a family of 4 women who do not shut up. I should know. I am one of them.

I remember the first time I meet K Bird. (K Bird is such a biker name - I think I feel this one sticking) It was Halloween night 2005. He came over to Grandma's (Sister Bird and the kids were living there) after the kid's had been trick or treating. This means one thing. SUGAR RUSH!

Danielle was running around as a cute little chocolate covered fairy. Dylan was fighting off dragons as a bubble gum trenched knight.

There sat K Bird(man, I'm really liking the name). Quiet as a mouse, over in the corner. He watched on. Smiling with delight. Never once correcting the sugar plum fairy or the noble knight.

Hum... I thought. Well he made past Halloween with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. He's worth a second date.

And a third. And a fourth.

Then a few years and Halloweens later, K Bird and Mom were hitched.

I am so glad that he didn't run away into the night because of our "frightful" family on that Halloween night. I am so glad that he has made my mom the happiest I have ever seen her. I am so glad that he lets us put a "I love my Chihuahua" sticker on the back of his muscle bike and laughs with us.

Thank you K Bird for being the quiet soul in our soulful family!

Happy Birthday KBird

************************************************************************************

Like I said before. The most important of all of the October festivities is that Sammy Bird now says my name. When he gets in the car. "Mayme" When Sister bird is talking on the phone. "Mayme" When he sees me and wants one of the sixty golf balls on my shelve. "Mayme"

My little baby is getting so big.

I wonder when he is going to say "Greggie Poo"

That's Life

2008-10-24T09:38:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have last posted. I promise to make it up to everyone - aka Wendy Bird and Sister Birds.
I have had several "blogging material" events over the past few weeks. So many random thoughts and pictures to come.
For those of you, aka Wendy Bird and Sister Birds, who can't wait, I'll give you a little taste of what's to come.
My 1 year anniversary. Sister Bird's Birthday. My new niece. How my witchcraft was wrong. Williamsburg Ghost Tour. My neighbor. And the Williamsburg Ghost Tour.
So much material, so little time.
But that's life.

Witch Crafty Wednesday

2008-10-08T20:27:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite blogs that I stalk, I mean, read, has Fashion Friday every Friday.

I thought that I would start doing the same. Only it will be called Witch Crafty Wednesday.

And it will last all of one day.

I was cleaning out my hall closet and I found an old canvas frame. I literally bought it a few weeks ago from the Target $1 section. Only I paid $2.50 for it. Sneaky Target. Of course I never hung it because for 1.) it's hideous and for 2.) everyone shops in the Target dollar section and everyone would know I paid too much for the thing.

So the wheels started turning.

I had some extra padding and fabric laying around.

I had a cheap canvas frame.

I had too much time on my hands.

First I gathered all of my materials.

(Told you it was hideous)

Next, I called Greggie Poo into the kitchen and made him do the rest.

First he stapled the padding all around the frame. Pulling the padding tight, each time he stapled. Then, he took the fabric piece and did the same exact thing that he did with the padding. And then...Voila ~ masterpiece! A fabricy note boardy thingy.

(and No, Mom. I do NOT practice witch craft. With it being close to Halloween and Emily's joke and, well, NEVERMIND! But the answer is NO!)

Jack is Back!

2008-10-06T19:55:00.007-04:00

*******News Flash*******

Papa Bird finally read my blog.

And. had. a. cow. when. he. found. out. I. referred. to. him. as. Papa. Bird.

So now I shall call him....Greggie Poo.

There. Now, isn't that much better?

Back to the regularly scheduled blog.

Last weekend, Laura, Kevin, and the kiddos came to visit.
We headed next door to Busch. Gardens.

We all know why Dylan and Danielle couldn't wait to go to Busch Gardens.

But let's be honest here. We all know why Laura, Kevin, Greggie Poo and I couldn't wait to go either.

It just tastes so good when it hits your lips.

You're my boy Blue

We all had a great time!

Danielle is happy to report that she is officially the PURPLE wrist band. Which in 5 year old terms, means that she can so totally ride the Big Bad Wolf.

I know.
I don't want to talk about it either.

Dylan is happy to report that he is "a rollercoaster bigger" and graduated to the teal wristband. He is now a pro at the Loch Ness Monster.

I know.
I don't want to talk about it either.

Not only are my babies big enough for rollercoasters now, they are also big enough for the FRONT ROW BABY!

It was such a bitter sweet moment.

Don't let these pictures fool you. As soon as they turned the corner, the smiles and thumbs up turned to tight lips and white knuckles.

Dylan and Danielle "claiming" their Countries.

Too Cute!

Danielle had the best seat in the house!

My two little stars, with the star of the show. Jack is Back!

Oh, Jack is Back and he brought me a fanny pack and a double chin. Sweet.

Dylan and Danielle taking a photo opt.

After a few spooky surprises, Laura, Kevin and Greggie Poo had the chance to ride the Griffon.

While we were waiting, we pretended that we were riding too!

He looks so wittle in this big ole seat.

Her wittle legs don't even bend.

Oh man. There goes Jack - giving away gifts again.

We all had a great time! Seeing Howl-o-Scream through a child's eye was magical....even for someone who has been to Howl-o-scream 301 times.
Thanks for coming up guys!!

Being at Howl-o-scream really put me in the autumn mind set.
I couldn't wait to run home and start decorating!
I told myself I had to wait until the temperature was below 75 degrees, before I could pull out the "fall decor".
Let me tell you -
Greggie Poo was was so excited when it hit 74 degrees. He ran upstairs to the 3rd floor, grabbed the Halloween boxes, and joyfully helped me decorate. Without even a whimper or "you're blocking the TV" moment!
My blog.
My story.

Here are a few pics from around the house....

Someone wanted to make it on the blog...Can you find him?

On a different note...
Greggie Poo worked late tonight. He had been in Richmond all day working a show and didn't get home until after dinner time.
When Greggie Poo works late, he usually lugs through the door and disappears somewhere in the house for the next couple of hours.
But tonight was a little different.
Tonight Greggie Poo darted through the door carrying a canvas bag filled with goodies. He was searching for me everywhere.

He smiled. I smiled. He reached for the bag. My eyes followed.
What was in the bag making him so excited, I wondered. And was it for me?

He informed me that he had struck gold today and won the major door prize at the show.

"Nice work honey" I said.

"I thought of you when I was picking out my prize. I know you are going to love it" he replied.

He continued to reach in the bag and pulled out a black box around the size of a shoe box.

My palms started to sweat.

He opened the box, ripping at the plastic wrap as he went.
And handed me my new treasure.

A "Jack is Back" bobble head, two soccer stress balls and a plastic cone.

I give up.

This is TODAY on NBC

2008-09-24T18:38:00.006-04:00

For the first time in my life, I saw what 6 am looked like. And it was scary. So I hit the alarm and went back to dreamland. Nine minutes later, for the first time in my life, I saw what 6:09am looked like. And it was even more scary. But, I knew that I couldn't go back to dreamland this time. How could I though, I was too excited. I had to get up, get going, and make my way down to Colonial Williamsburg.

Any seasoned tourist, would know that this is extremely too early to walk through the streets of history. This morning, however, was a little different for this sleepy old town.

Colonial Williamsburg had a small piece of the Big Apple there and this little small town girl had to get all up in it!

The TODAY Show was in Colonial Williamsburg this morning, and I wanted a front row seat! Al Roker and Matt Lauer (wipe drool from mouth) were so close, that I could smell the studliness in the air! Papa Bird and I arrived at CW around 7:15am and immediately jumped right in the madness!

"Hurry Up Papa Bird! I'm losing prime real estate as we speak!"

I'm in there somewhere...

There I am! Not without my coffee of course!

A picture of Duke of Gloucester Street with one too many Obama supporters and Obama signs. Even small children and dogs had to turn around and get out of there!

Papa Bird definitely had to get out of there!

Obama supporters....'Nuf Said.

2008 Christmas Card Picture

The Capital.

Papa Bird and I had had enough and decided to leave Duke of Gloucester Street. The Capital is where Matt was on air for most of the morning. This area had the better view of the action and more camera love. I held my little sign proudly, but it was soon overcrowded with political signs. My marketing strategy then shifted from holding up my "Hi Mom" sign, to blocking as many Obama signs as I could with my sign. Mature, I know. I haven't seen the taped show yet, but I'd like to think I was a little successful.

Crowded.

Shout Out for Roanoke. WSLS!

After Papa Bird and I were dramatized by the obnoxiousness of the Obama supporters, we decided to call it a morning. As we started to head to the car, my nose caught a strong scent of studliness and I followed my female instincts. What my nose detected was this...

Well HELLO Matty Poo
Matt and the production crew were taping in a "secret" location. Only a few others must have my ability to pick up on the studliness scent, because there were only a small group of us in this "secret" location. This, was by far, one of the highlights of the morning. In between interviews, Matt would turn, wave, and carry on small conversation with our group. Matt entertained our questions for several minutes and was very personable with each person. In doing so, he earned
major "meeting celebrities in real life" points!

It was really neat to see all of the behind-the-scenes action!

All in all, Papa Bird and I had a memorable morning! The whole, up before sunrise thing, was just a small price to pay for making a memory!

p.s. Papa Bird got a dose of the "THIS is why" attitude this morning.
You know...THIS is why we get up at 6 am to see the TODAY show live
THIS is why the girls get up at 5 am on Black Friday
THIS is why the girls get up at 5 am on December 26th
The payoffs are unmeasurable! .... DUH Papa Birdie!

We Kill Three Birds with One Stone

2008-09-17T20:01:00.012-04:00

On a random Wednesday evening, late in the summer, this bird's nest decided to do something that comes second nature to us.

We Kill three birds with one stone!

First Bird to be killed...

Taking Bird Dog to get some exercise-

Bird dog was so excited to go...she could hardly wait...

....wait to run in her very own back yard.

Well, it's not all her's, but she sure thinks it is.

Second bird to be killed -

Having Mama Bird and Papa Bird get some exercise.

Third bird to be killed.....

Scoring MAJOR Golf Balls!

*************************************************************************************

Now, the trick of finding so many golf balls is easy; just watch Papa Bird play golf.

Wherever Papa Bird's ball goes, remember that spot.

Go to that spot each time and you will be sure to find.....

Hole 5 gets 'um everytime!

(please notice that this ball is no where near manicured grass)

Look hard now, because the golf balls likes to hide...

Sometimes you will have to get a little wet....

Aw, It's a Pro V I --- that's for you Uncle Bird!

Sometimes you hit it big and find a two-for-one!

On any given day, you can have some competition.

This lady surely has no idea who she is dealing with.

Please step aside lady, we ARE professionals at this.

This is no place for a little lady like yourself; you could really get hurt!

You better go home.

On a good day, after lots of practice of course, you'll start with this....

And end with this!

And I Proudly Stand Up!

2008-09-11T13:55:00.006-04:00

7 years.

I can not believe it has been 7 years today.

I still vividly remember where I was when I first heard the news over the radio.

I still vividly remember running to the closest television and watching in shock as the second plane hit the second tower. Shock.

I still vividly remember the unanswered questions that immediately circled around this American tradegy.

I still vividly remember how Americans immediately started to show even MORE pride, loyalty, and devotion to our Nation than ever before.

I still vividly remember how the colors of red, white and blue, lyrics to a patriotic song, and the word American, took on a whole new meaning.

(the above was written is all seriousness; the below...not so much)

I still vividly remember the day it happened.

I still vividly remember sitting in the church pew, beside my mother, with sister bird on the other side of her.

I still vividly remember the choir director, leading the congregation to turn in their programs to the patroitic song, "God Bless The U.S.A." , and the sound of the piano as it began to play the notes.

I still vividly remember the look that sister bird immediately shot to me and I equally shot right back at her. The look of fear, quickly followed by the look of what to do...oh, what to do, covered our face like icing on a cake.

I still vividly remember half heartedly singing the words of the song, for I knew what was coming.

I still vividly remember, gingerly approaching the last chorus (the one where Lee Boy really brings it home), with the fear of what would happen next.

I still vividly remember sister bird and I mentally working together to try to contain our mother like we were trying to contain the top of a Jack-in-the-Box that was ready to explode at any second.

I still vividly remember the breeze that sister bird and I both felt from our mother springing to her feet like Old Faithful, as the chorus (remember, the one that brings it home) belted from our mothers mouth "And I proudly stand up". Our mother had slipped right passed our mental grip that we had on her....and it was too late. There she was, standing in all of her glory, just like another little Lady we know.

I still vividly remember looking over at sister bird, as both our bodies sunk into the church pew, mouthing the words, "you get her, NO, you get her" and back and forth we went.

I still vividly remember slowing looking up from having my head hung in embarassment and wishing that the last 10 seconds had been a dream. But it wasn't. There she was. There was our mother, singing her heart away, standing all by herself in the middle of the whole congregation. Did sister bird and I save our mother and join proudly in standing with her you ask.... ummm,uh, NOOO! Of course not! That proud little American was on her own.

I still vividly remember filing out of the church pews and into the ailse, to exit the church. The looks, the pointing, the whispers...."there she is...that's her" Oh the embarassment.

I still vividly remember the embarassment to this day. But is it embarassment? or is it guilt? pride? I'm not sure.

But I do know one thing.

That's my momma and she loves OUR country.

So this one is for you momma. I hope you sing along and stand at all the appropiate times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RssIN3ustUw&feature=related

I am proud to be an American and proud to be my mother's daughter.

Cast of Characters

2008-09-08T19:37:00.010-04:00

I thought I would take this time to introduce the cast of characters involved in this delicate story of "Tee Time with The Storcks." With each coming story, you will need a visual to see what brings me my inspiration to come to the blog world and post my thoughts, feelings, memories and dreams.

First off we have Papa Bird

Papa Bird likes to dance in the street, listen to his music at excessive decimals, do sit ups for ice cream sandwiches and watch The Discovery Channel until he has since every episode of Myth Busters for the 613 time.

Papa Bird dislikes touching anything without hand sanitizer nearby, all drivers over the age of 61 and when his milk goes bad in the refrigerator.

Here are some pictures that best describe Papa Bird:

The next character in our bird nest is Mama Bird:

Mama Bird enjoys a clean house, laughing at Papa Bird, a good glass of wine and Saturdays.

Mama Bird doesn't enjoy a dirty house, lecturing Papa Bird, a bad glass of wine and Mondays.

And since all is fair in love and war, here are some pictures that best describe Mama Bird:

And last but not least, the glue that holds this nest together is Bird Dog

Bird Dog enjoys chewing on all things that she is not supposed to, humping our house guests, sun bathing, popcorn, and sleeping the night away in between Mama Bird and Papa Bird.

Bird Dog does not enjoy being alone, getting a bath, and our next door neighbor...more to come on this topic.

Some pictures that best describe Bird Dog:

So here are main characters in this blog story. There, I'm sure, will be many special guests, extras and add ins, but in the mean time....stay tuned to what story will happen next....

It's all in a name...

2008-09-02T20:48:00.000-04:00

Whew! I'm glad that part is over.
What part you ask? Well the part of naming my new blog of course!

With me being a middle child and having the astrological sign of a Taurus, perfectionism, as well as being competitive, run through my blood. So many names for this blog ran through my head....The Storck Nest, My Bird Nest, Hole 6, Mama Bird, Confessions of a wife who lost her husband to The Discovery Channel and so on and so forth. So you can see why I'm tired right?

Although I have been married almost a year, I have NOT adjusted to my new last name yet. My maiden name was English and I must have taken that for granted in another life, because I meet, fell in love with, and married a (drum roll please) Storck. Sounds pretty easy right? But because of that one little letter, the third little letter in the alphabet, I will forever be spelling my new last name.

I spell it 10,ooo times a day when I give my e-mail address over the phone, when I call the Doctor's office, when I call the bank, when I order pizza from Dominoes, when I call Verizon, and when I ... well you get the picture. And don't even get me started when I call to order Chinese food from Mr. Liu's. It's a nightmare trying to give Mr. Liu the correct spelling of my last name. I just give up and tell him "Sue".

So, imagine my surprise when I go to pick a blog name and 'The Storck Nest' is taken. Taken?! What!? I retyped it as quickly as I could, thinking to myself, the blogger name appover guy surely must have misread my last name and thought I spelled it with out the precious "C". I wanted him to grant the approval of such a clever play on my new last name. And I wanted it NOW!
But there it was...again..."blog name already exists". This is ludicrous I thought! Who are the other Storck people, (with a "C"), and why, WHY, did they take my blog name? I did what any other new blogger would do. I immediately went to the other Storck's blog page. I took one look at their blog and I had to immediately look away. They, the other Storck's, have only posted 6 blogs within the last 2 years. They took my beloved blog name and now they don't use it?

What's a girl to do? Report them to the blog police? Throw a middle child temper tantrum? Cry?

Oh no, I will not do any of these things. Nor will I get mad. I hardly ever get mad, but I always GET EVEN! (Did I mention I was the middle child)

So it is ON other Storck Nest blog....oh it is on.

p.s. Do NOT, I repeat, Do NOT go to the other Storck blog and give those undeserving bloggers your traffic!